Councillor wants answers over Pinnacle College’s alleged lack of transparency
Ward 132 councillor Anette Deppe says she is wondering if Pinnacle College has received the green light from town planning after expanding the school without her knowledge.
Ward 132 councillor Anette Deppe is disappointed with the management of Pinnacle College Waterfall after they allegedly failed to disclose their plans to expand the school with new classes.
Deppe is now forced to come face to face with the growing frustration of residents in BBQ Downs. They are increasingly vocal about the traffic congestion that has become a daily headache, particularly during the busy drop-off hour when parents swarm the streets to deliver their children to school.
She said she understands why the residents are frustrated because when schools expand without considering the surrounding area, they inadvertently impose significant strain on local infrastructure.
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Deppe added that as more students are accommodated, there is often a failure to account for the corresponding need for additional parking spaces, leading to chaotic and unsafe conditions for students, staff, and residents.
“Thoughtful planning, which includes infrastructure assessments, is crucial to ensure that educational growth is sustainable and does not adversely affect the community.”
On January 23 the councillor went to the corner of Jubie Road and Dickens Road in BBQ Downs to see exactly what the residents are complaining about and no lies were detected.
On top of that: “The traffic lights are not working and it has been months. Between Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA), City Power, and Eskom they cannot take responsibility for the traffic lights. I get different stories from all of them about why the traffic lights are not working. So, I am requesting traffic wardens for this intersection every morning, to move this traffic through to the school as it has increased in size, in a residential area. There are now more parents coming to drop off their kids than anticipated.”
JRA’s Thembile Gule said Tshwane municipal offices are responsible for the traffic light intersection as it falls under their boundary and jurisdiction.
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When contacted for comment, Lindela Mashego, the Tshwane municipality’s spokesperson, was not available, despite calling several times.
Andrea Dawson, the executive head of the school, said the planning and provision of local infrastructure is the responsibility of the local authority, and the school operates with a site development plan approved by the local authority.
Adding that the engagement with the local authorities and residents is guided by the requirements of the rezoning regulations.
When asked how the school planned to address the councillor’s concerns about inadequate parking and chaotic conditions for students, staff, and residents, Dawson said: “We have not been informed of the councillor’s concern and can therefore not comment. The responsibility to inform the councillor of developments within the framework of an approved SDP does not vest with the land owner.
“We are investigating a number of on-site improvements, which we will implement on a trial basis as soon as possible to see the effect thereof. Hereafter, and if still required, we will engage with JRA to consider further alternatives.”
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